SKIN PROBLEMS SOLVED: Fade to Black...Get Even-Toned Skin

Just because the area below are necks is rarely exposed, doesn’t mean that it should be neglected. If you knew that skin was the largest organ (which it is), then why wouldn’t you care for it from head to toe? It makes sense that our bodies are rarely, if ever, given as much attention because our faces are usually the most exposed part of our body.   

One of the biggest skin care concerns among black women is pigmented or discolored skin. Getting rid of blemishes or dark spots on your face is one thing, but how do you treat the horrid pimple invasion on your body and the resulting, unfortunate dark spot? To avoid the appearance of blemishes take a proactive stance and try Murad’s Clarifying Body Spray ($37, murad.com) which treats breakouts before they occur on your body. As you spray the affected area, bacteria is killed, therefore preventing new “bacne” from appearing.

But if the dark spots are already there as a result of “bacne” and you want them lightened or you have patches of skin you want evened out, try Makari De Suisse Body Beautifying Milk ($47.45, makari.com) and pay specific attention to those discolored areas and include your knees and elbows in the treatment. Another benefit of using this milk is that it also moisturizes your skin. Note that this product doesn’t contain hydroquinone, but does contain three natural ingredients: licorice root extract, mulberry root extract & bearberry extract which are chemical-free alternatives to lightening skin discolorations.  

Another option for evening your skin tone is Black Opal’s Body Fade Cream ($12.95, drugstores). After you’ve exfoliated in the shower, apply this as you would any other body lotion concentrating on problem areas along with your knees and elbows. This cream is a mixture of hydroquinone and natural ingredients which helps to both even your skin while hydrating it and works for all skin types.

Just remember that with any over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening treatment, results don’t occur overnight. Follow the directions for use and make sure to use the product consistently. In some cases, results can be seen within four weeks, however, because most OTC products contain a maximum of 2% of hydroquinone, deeper skin tones usually require a higher percentage of the chemical to see any real difference. In some case, 2% works just fine, however, if a higher percentage is needed, please consult a dermatologist.   

NOTE: Hydroquinone is a chemical used to lighten the melanin in your skin.   

THIS WEEK I’M GIVING TO 2 LUCKY PEOPLE A BLACK OPAL FADE CREAM!

RULES: Be the first 2 people to leave an awesome comment below this entry & make sure to send me your email address so I can contact you.  You must live in the U.S.

Good luck!!                                        Congratulations to Jamilah M. & Diana M.!

 Hue Knew It? I did.   

     

Disclaimer: Some products featured have been provided by the brands and/or public relations agencies.

SKIN PROBLEMS SOLVED: Fade to Black...Get Even-Toned Skin

Update on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by Gregorie, Beauty & Skin Expert

A great reader tip came in from Diane L. about skin lightening products. She’s been using Blanche Skin Lightening Cream by Neocutis which contains 4% Hydroquinone.

In her words, “This is very pricey, but the tube is big and it works fast. I saw results after 2 days.
I have very uneven skin from adult acne and this product has  Melaplex and Hydroquinone. Somehow the 2 produce fast results. I am highly impressed with this product.”

NOTE: See a dermatologist for a prescription. Some dermatologists also develop their own product for sale to patients with hydroquinone as high as 8%.

Comments

[jamilah]

I would love to win the Black Opal fade cream for my scars on my knees from a child. Thanks for the opportunity to win and thanks for your newsletters they are awesome!

[Diana]

How awesome is this give-a-way. Ok I hope fingers crossed you pick me. I love your blog and it has soo much helpful information. Now I have never seen this Black Opal before or rather this particular product so I would looooove to try it!

[diamond]

Def will check out the makari body wash. Great article!

[Ty]

Ladies, Hue Knew Its' newsletter is a must read! It provides great tips and product information. Keep up the good work...can't wait for the next article.

[Gregorie, Beauty & Skin Expert]

Thanks everyone for your lovely comments and support, but this week I can only choose two people.
Today's winners are: JAMILAH & DIANA! Please look for an email from me later today ladies.

THIS THURSDAY, I'M DOING ANOTHER GIVEAWAY, BUT YOU HAVE TO FRIEND ME ON FACEBOOK (from my HKI homepage) TO SEE WHAT THE GIVEAWAY ITEM IS. YOU'LL DEFINITELY WANT THIS ONE.

[CHEVON JAMISON]

PLEASE HELP, i HAVE A 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER, WHO IS BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDE AND OUT, BUT HER SELF ESTEEM IS SHATTHERED
BECAUSE SHE HAS DARK SPOTS ON HER FACE AND NOTHING WE BOUGHT SEEMS TO WORK. SHE WILL BE GRADUATING IN jUNE, 2011
AND GOING TO COLLEGE, PLEASE HELP ME TO HELP HER START THIS NEW FAZE OF LIFE MORE CONFIDENT.